100 books like TED Talks Storytelling

Originally published in 1937, this was the original self-improvement book. Carnegie described it as a “practical, working handbook on human relations”.

After reading it, you might think that none of his tips are earth-shatteringly surprising, but you may not have thought of them before reading the book. This is indeed the mark of a great book – something that makes lots of sense after you read it (and so you’re most likely to put it into practice) but you wouldn’t have guessed yourself; and certainly would not have framed it in as clear and convincing manner as Carnegie.

Most salespeople believe the closing happens at the end of the presentation. It doesn’t. It happens in the first few seconds.

The biggest change in the selling process has happened over the last 25 years. Brain science has proven that the subconscious minds of our prospects make snap decisions about us. This book shows us what to say during those first critical seconds. Prospects and clients judge us harshly, and they do it in the first few seconds.

The case studies and proof will change how we look at selling forever.

Getting attention is the easy part. Keeping that attention requires using these magic phrases to ward off distractions.

Through sound bites, word pictures, and great hooks, we can actually get prospects to listen to us, and internalize our message. With today’s micro-attention span, we need to up our game and capture our prospects’ minds. The word phrases to command attention are as easy as, “I have some good news and some bad news.” Instant attention to what we will say next.

Focus and controlling our prospects’ attention is the first step. Add some conversational hypnosis and we will have more influence over the outcome.

The authors believe in carefully crafted sales scripts to talk to the unconscious mind of our prospects. While these structure sentences seem challenging at first, we gradually become aware of their power as we progress through this book.

This book is written specifically for those telling stories in religious settings. However, the advice on learning and presenting stories is so clearly and usefully presented, that I would suggest this as a good read for anyone hoping to share stories with children. If you are planning to tell stories in a religious setting, this is definitely your go-to book.

Matthew is a serial public speaking champion who basically should be entered in The Moth Hall of Fame asap. If you've never heard Matthew Dicks talk, pause this and go watch his videos online. He's that good. What I love about his book is that he shares how he crafts his own stories and shares some amazing tips on how to capture everyday events that can later on be turned into powerful stories. Although this book isn't so much geared towards business or work, I think everyone can learn a great deal from Matthew's impressive experience of making people pay attention and connect to what you say (both as a best-selling novelist, school teacher, and public speaking champion).

Public speaking is one of the best marketing tools for authors. Good speakers sell books and can often supplement their incomes through paid speaking gigs.

From Page to Stage helped me hone my speaking points. It is loaded with tips to help even the most shy of authors give a good talk. The author is a psychotherapist who has worked with many clients to overcome their fear of public speaking. I loved that this book was written specifically for authors, and so it directly addressed the types of events and talks common in the book industry. 

Fun fact: public speaking ranks number 1 among human beings’ fears. Before death, heights, or any wild animal. Speaking in public exposes us to shame, failure, boredom, opposition, and so on. And with everything being recorded nowadays, there’s a great chance to leave indelible evidence of our performance somewhere. But regardless of their fear, millions of people want to share their ideas on stage. How to overcome this fear? With preparation. Lots of preparation, lots of patience, and the courage to ask for feedback, question ourselves, and edit our talk at will. Chris Anderson’s TED Talks is a brilliant resource. To anyone who wants to share a meaningful and impactful message, whether through speaking or writing, I can only recommend giving this book a go. It’s changed the way I write and introduce myself. Cherry on the cake: it’s really fun reading! 

Why do I recommend a book on speechwriting? For the same reasons my book covers spoken communication. Good speeches base on the written word and in turn, yield many lessons for all writers. For example, “sayability” is a hallmark of writing that works, and a good way to check yourself. Noonan’s book also reminds us of what matters most: Deciding what you want to say—the substance. Fancy language never camouflages empty thought. Rather than trying to manipulate people, reach them with sincerity and specific language that’s “simple, unadorned, direct, declarative.” Noonan recommends appealing to the brain with logic. Psychologists, meanwhile, stress that we make most decisions based on emotion—but I think both are right: Persuasive writing reaches both heart and mind. 

What’s unique and valuable about Matt’s book is his use of scientific research to explain what makes so many of us nervous about public speaking and—knowing those triggers and minefields —how to manage and overcome it.

The book is short, physically small, and focused, but brilliantly so because it reads like a manual and even an ally in your ear, giving you the tips and support you need to speak confidently. Matt includes many “Try This” recommendations and an awesome appendix that reviews a wide variety of physical and psychological anxiety-management techniques.

I have lots of highlight marks and circled sections in my copy, which is a surefire sign that a book is extremely practical.